Native gardening workshops

The Peninsula Environment Group will host free community garden workshops in coming weeks.

The workshops will support the establishment of a natural community garden at the Woy Woy Environment Centre.

After taking a break over summer, the first workshop for the year will take place at the centre on Tuesday, March 30, from 4pm to 6pm with all members of the community including families welcome to attend.

Workshops are also scheduled for Tuesday, March 30, from 4pm to 6pm, and on Saturday, April 10, from 9am to 12pm.

The hands-on workshops will transform the grounds of the centre into a low-maintenance, drought-proof garden, using mostly local native species.

"We will explore a range of local native species that are perfect for local gardens," Group president Mr Mark Mann said.

"Local native species look beautiful and need little or no watering.

"Planting them in your garden helps preserve the natural ecology of the Peninsula, and will attract native wildlife and birds such as rosellas and lorikeets.

"Participants will use mulch and water sinks to create a water-efficient garden, and learn about the importance of including habitat areas."

Mr Mann said the workshops were led by Central Coast environmental organisation Equilibrium Eco-Services Inc which had helped establish similar gardens in Woy Woy and Woy Woy South public schools.

No bookings are required and participants are asked to wear closed shoes.

For more information visit www.peg.org.au or contact Mia Hughes on 4342 9676 or via email at info@equilibrium.net.au.

The Woy Woy Environment Centre is located on the corner of Blackwall Rd and Billabong St, Woy Woy.

Press release, 17 Mar 2010 Mia Hughes, Equilibrium Eco-Services Inc